FitBit Charge HR Review – Maximizing Weight-Loss after Surgery

I’ve recently joined in to the “wearable devices” craze.

FitBit®

JawBone®

MisFit®

Microsoft®

Garmin®

These little guys are everywhere!

When the Bariatric Clinic I work for decided to start offering these devices in our nutrition store, I was elected to do some research and make a plan on what we would carry.

Here’s what I knew going into it:

– I loved the idea of tracking my steps without needing an extra pedometer in my pocket or on my waistband

– I loved that I could still journal my foods in MyFitnessPal and could link it to my tracker

– I knew these devices could track sleep patterns and that just seemed cool to me

I had heard, on the other hand, some experts weren’t too sure about these devices.

Why? Primarily because they question the accuracy. My thoughts on the matter? Even if it didn’t track the exact amount of steps I made…it DID encourage me to get more active than had I not been wearing it at all.

After some research and a few conference calls I had my choices narrowed down to three options:

1. FitBit Charge HR –

Pros: FitBit has a big name so people tend to gravitate to it. The Charge HR has sensors to track heart rate at all times. Priced at $149.99

Cons: Some of the feedback I’ve heard is that FitBit is not the most accurate in terms of these trackers 

2. JawBone UP 3-

Pros: Jawbone brand has the best reviews for sleep trackers and the UP3 is also a heart rate tracker, the competitor to FitBit Charge HR 

Cons: Pricier option at $179.99 

3. Microsoft Band –

Pros: Can track different forms of exercise such as biking. Also has option for email previews and calendar alerts on the band. Tracks heart rate and has a GPS feature for running. 

Cons: Highest price of the three at $199.99. Very bulky band. 

Our clinic made the decision to carry the FitBit Charge HR. Why? It was priced the best and FitBit® has such a big name and customers like to buy the name they know.

I purchased my own FitBit Charge HR and here’s my personal review:

I’m so thankful for something that pushes me to do more. As someone who does well with diet choices but easily gets sidetracked from a fitness routine, I need something that challenges me to go on an extra walk or to get out of my chair more often.

When I’m starting a workout, I hold down the button on the side and the band vibrates. It tracks how long my workout was and a graph of my heart rate. I try to keep my heart rate in my fat burning zone, which is based on a metabolic test I had done. It tells me how many calories I burned and the overall impact that workout had on my day.

My band also buzzes at me when I’ve hit my goal of 10,000 steps! The equivalent of walking 5 miles. You can change your goal to however many steps you’d like.

One suggestion I have for weight loss surgery patients is to not follow the recommendations the program has for how many calories to eat for your weight loss goal. I put my weight in the device but other than that, I don’t pay attention to the recommendations the FitBit software has for me. You know your bariatric plan so take that portion with a grain of salt!

I did hook up my tracker to MyFitnessPal and still log my foods in the MFP app just like always. It syncs that information into my FitBit app which is just extra information to give me a well rounded view of my day.

I’m happy to report I fall asleep in 2 minutes on average and sleep about 8 hours per night. Don’t hate me. No wonder I have energy to get these recipes posted, ehhh??? :)

I’m very happy with my tracker and excited to continue using it over the summer. If you’re interested in making an investment on one of these products, do your research. Look it up online and ask around. I heard raving reviews for those with the Jawbone devices as well. Happy shopping!